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Clarence Thomas to give University of Texas lecture

One of the most conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices will deliver a talk Wednesday.

News

U.S. Supreme Court Justice <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clarence Thomas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/24/justice-thomas-abortion-supreme-court" data-vars-content-id="90511b49-a010-411e-891c-be524c679d07" data-vars-headline="Clarence Thomas to give University of Texas lecture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/24/justice-thomas-abortion-supreme-court" target="_self">Clarence Thomas</a> will give a lecture Wednesday at the University of Texas, &quot;in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,&quot; per UT.Why it matters: The talk, from one of the court&#x27;s most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="conservative justices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/07/supreme-courts-most-conservative-justices-part-ways/" data-vars-content-id="90511b49-a010-411e-891c-be524c679d07" data-vars-headline="Clarence Thomas to give University of Texas lecture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/07/supreme-courts-most-conservative-justices-part-ways/" target="_blank">conservative justices</a>, comes as the university has had an institutional push rightward.

Needlepoint stitches together a younger crowd

Etsy searches for "beginner needlepoint items" are at a 208% year-over-year increase.

Editor&#x27;s note: This story was written by University of Texas student Darby Tippit for Axios Austin.A nearly 50-year-old Austin needlepoint store is drawing a younger crowd as Gen Z turns toward <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analogue hobbies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/analog-bag-screen-free-wellness" data-vars-content-id="80e5c91c-8ead-48f4-88d3-00ad502a0c28" data-vars-headline="Needlepoint stitches together a younger crowd" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/analog-bag-screen-free-wellness" target="_self">analogue hobbies</a> to beat screen fatigue.Why it matters: Needlepoint, along with hobbies like knitting, sewing and quilting, have seen a rise in popularity as younger generations find crafty, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="offline activities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/07/needlepoint-grandma-hobbies-tiktok" data-vars-content-id="80e5c91c-8ead-48f4-88d3-00ad502a0c28" data-vars-headline="Needlepoint stitches together a younger crowd" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/07/needlepoint-grandma-hobbies-tiktok" target="_self">offline activities</a> to ditch their phones.

Talarico notches record fundraising haul

The Democratic state lawmaker's campaign took in more than $27 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Politics & Policy

Texas Democratic Senate candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/17/james-talarico-austin-church-security" data-vars-content-id="4280cf01-0ea7-4500-a77f-00565937b52d" data-vars-headline="Talarico notches record fundraising haul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/17/james-talarico-austin-church-security" target="_self">James Talarico</a> hauled in more than $27 million in the first quarter of 2026, his campaign announced Wednesday.Why it matters: The money raised by the state legislator from Austin dwarfs the amount incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn raised during the same period and will play a key role in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="persuading voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/15/how-texas-talarico-is-leveraging-social-media-in-his-bid-for-the-senate" data-vars-content-id="4280cf01-0ea7-4500-a77f-00565937b52d" data-vars-headline="Talarico notches record fundraising haul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/15/how-texas-talarico-is-leveraging-social-media-in-his-bid-for-the-senate" target="_self">persuading voters</a> in what is shaping up as a very expensive race.

Austin 3D firm Icon hires Will Hurd

The Austin 3D printing firm is hiring the former Republican congressman as it seeks government contracts.

Will Hurd, the former Republican congressman from San Antonio, has joined Austin-based 3D construction firm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Icon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/11/3d-printing-company-icon-expands-austin" data-vars-content-id="7a180b70-2587-492f-83cd-b32d76fdff07" data-vars-headline="Austin 3D firm Icon hires Will Hurd" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/11/3d-printing-company-icon-expands-austin" target="_self">Icon</a> as it makes a push for more government contracts.Why it matters: The firm is looking to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="diversify its revenue streams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/11/3d-printing-company-icon-expands-austin" data-vars-content-id="7a180b70-2587-492f-83cd-b32d76fdff07" data-vars-headline="Austin 3D firm Icon hires Will Hurd" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/11/3d-printing-company-icon-expands-austin" target="_self">diversify its revenue streams</a> amid a housing market still slowed by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high interest rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/27/austin-mortgage-rates-rise-as-iran-war-affects-u-s-housing-market" data-vars-content-id="7a180b70-2587-492f-83cd-b32d76fdff07" data-vars-headline="Austin 3D firm Icon hires Will Hurd" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/27/austin-mortgage-rates-rise-as-iran-war-affects-u-s-housing-market" target="_self">high interest rates</a>.

Austin's top April events you won't want to miss

Austin's kite fest, comedy, music and more.

Food and Drink

It&#x27;s springtime in Central Texas, and one of our favorite months of the year to get out and explore Austin.Here are some of the events we&#x27;re most looking forward to.

New romance bookstore opens in East Austin

Finney's Books opened in December, shortly after the release of "Heated Rivalry."

Finney&#x27;s Books, a new romance bookstore in East Austin, is riding a wave of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reader enthusiasm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/07/hot-romance-novel-recs-houston-romance-bookstore" data-vars-content-id="ace01b72-38e0-41d7-b205-910434bffc5d" data-vars-headline="New romance bookstore opens in East Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/07/hot-romance-novel-recs-houston-romance-bookstore" target="_self">reader enthusiasm</a> for genre-specific spaces.Why it matters: Romance is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="having a moment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/10/romance-bookstores-book-clubs-romantasy" data-vars-content-id="ace01b72-38e0-41d7-b205-910434bffc5d" data-vars-headline="New romance bookstore opens in East Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/10/romance-bookstores-book-clubs-romantasy" target="_self">having a moment</a>. Niche bookstores like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Finney&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.finneysbooks.com/about" data-vars-content-id="ace01b72-38e0-41d7-b205-910434bffc5d" data-vars-headline="New romance bookstore opens in East Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.finneysbooks.com/about" target="_blank">Finney&#x27;s</a> are popping up across the country, and screen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adaptations have helped sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/07/10/2701952/0/en/From-Laggard-to-Leader-Record-Sales-of-Romance-Books-Reflect-Next-Generation-of-Contemporary-Readers.html" data-vars-content-id="ace01b72-38e0-41d7-b205-910434bffc5d" data-vars-headline="New romance bookstore opens in East Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/07/10/2701952/0/en/From-Laggard-to-Leader-Record-Sales-of-Romance-Books-Reflect-Next-Generation-of-Contemporary-Readers.html" target="_blank">adaptations have helped sales</a> of romance novels climb.

Where Austinites are making their own gifts

You can make your own meaningful holiday gift at studios around Austin.

Things to Do

Handmade gifts are having a moment, and there are tons of spots around town to try your hand at a new craft.The big picture: Younger generations are shifting to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hands-on hobbies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-austin-98968248-277b-4fd7-a948-817a8449f0e5.html?chunk=1&amp;utm_term=twsocialshare#story1" data-vars-content-id="5289029f-6cd1-4b93-9c73-999a9fede800" data-vars-headline="Where Austinites are making their own gifts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-austin-98968248-277b-4fd7-a948-817a8449f0e5.html?chunk=1&amp;utm_term=twsocialshare#story1" target="_self">hands-on hobbies</a> like needlepoint and pottery, says Claire Tassin, a retail and e-commerce analyst at Morning Consult. Plus, homemade gifts help save money.

A jazzy "Nutcracker" hits Austin for one night only

Their show reimagines the classic party scene from "The Nutcracker."

An Austin nonprofit is preparing for an ambitious one-night-only performance of Duke Ellington&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Nutcracker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/12/06/ballet-austin-nutcracker-long-center" data-vars-content-id="af5c0008-7bf7-44fe-9525-71106982abf7" data-vars-headline="A jazzy &quot;Nutcracker&quot; hits Austin for one night only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/12/06/ballet-austin-nutcracker-long-center" target="_self">The Nutcracker</a>.&quot;Why it matters: The show on Dec. 19 is the first major performance for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Capital Contemporary Ballet" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atxartists.org/capital-contemporary-ballet?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnsUYoEiaEUbZjdxjtuM-GL-OROk2c5zIbqL8BOatTEjJjj7E1-Dmf_iKzahs_aem_120GYBsCq-n2srhQ2lZ9og" data-vars-content-id="af5c0008-7bf7-44fe-9525-71106982abf7" data-vars-headline="A jazzy &quot;Nutcracker&quot; hits Austin for one night only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atxartists.org/capital-contemporary-ballet?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnsUYoEiaEUbZjdxjtuM-GL-OROk2c5zIbqL8BOatTEjJjj7E1-Dmf_iKzahs_aem_120GYBsCq-n2srhQ2lZ9og" target="_blank">Capital Contemporary Ballet</a> and a significant milestone for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ATX Jazz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atxartists.org/atx-jazz-orchestra" data-vars-content-id="af5c0008-7bf7-44fe-9525-71106982abf7" data-vars-headline="A jazzy &quot;Nutcracker&quot; hits Austin for one night only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atxartists.org/atx-jazz-orchestra" target="_blank">ATX Jazz</a> Orchestra, which together form the core of the newly launched nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ATX Artists for Social Impact" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atxartists.org/" data-vars-content-id="af5c0008-7bf7-44fe-9525-71106982abf7" data-vars-headline="A jazzy &quot;Nutcracker&quot; hits Austin for one night only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atxartists.org/" target="_blank">ATX Artists for Social Impact</a>.

Spotify: Austin's top songs of 2025

Kendrick Lamar's "luther (with sza)" took the top spot.

Culture

Kendrick Lamar&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Luther" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" data-vars-content-id="ebe6bf30-29fa-46f0-baf4-1495af208a6f" data-vars-headline="Spotify: Austin&#x27;s top songs of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" target="_blank">Luther</a>&quot; (with SZA) was the most-streamed song on Spotify in Austin this year.Why it matters: Austin&#x27;s Wrapped shows a more Spanish-language tilt with Bad Bunny&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DtMF" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/3sK8wGT43QFpWrvNQsrQya?si=aa214c82321c4990" data-vars-content-id="ebe6bf30-29fa-46f0-baf4-1495af208a6f" data-vars-headline="Spotify: Austin&#x27;s top songs of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3sK8wGT43QFpWrvNQsrQya?si=aa214c82321c4990" target="_blank">DtMF</a>&quot; landing in the No. 2 spot.

Raul De Lara reconnects with his Austin roots in new exhibition

De Lara's first solo museum exhibition in Texas draws heavily from his experience as a Mexican immigrant growing up in Austin.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Contemporary Austin&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://thecontemporaryaustin.org/" data-vars-content-id="4e24d325-8a9b-4779-9797-8c56da729ab5" data-vars-headline="Raul De Lara reconnects with his Austin roots in new exhibition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thecontemporaryaustin.org/" target="_blank">Contemporary Austin&#x27;s</a> latest exhibition from sculptor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raul De Lara" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rauldelara.com/" data-vars-content-id="4e24d325-8a9b-4779-9797-8c56da729ab5" data-vars-headline="Raul De Lara reconnects with his Austin roots in new exhibition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rauldelara.com/" target="_blank">Raul De Lara</a> uses woodwork to explore identity, belonging and stories carried across borders.Why it matters: It&#x27;s De Lara&#x27;s first solo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/09/19/austin-museum-day-free-events" data-vars-content-id="4e24d325-8a9b-4779-9797-8c56da729ab5" data-vars-headline="Raul De Lara reconnects with his Austin roots in new exhibition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/09/19/austin-museum-day-free-events" target="_self">museum</a> exhibition in Texas, and his work draws heavily from his experience as a Mexican immigrant growing up in Austin.

Vintage gowns are getting a second life in latest bridal trend

Couples are embracing vintage elements and repurposing vintage gowns from family members.

Business

A growing number of brides are repurposing their mothers&#x27; wedding gowns for their own special day.Why it matters: As the costs of weddings <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continue to climb" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/19/wedding-costs-tariffs-prices" data-vars-content-id="1e4e49fc-8641-4b5f-8527-c77f764cbb2e" data-vars-headline="Vintage gowns are getting a second life in latest bridal trend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/19/wedding-costs-tariffs-prices" target="_self">continue to climb</a>, the trend is another way couples are blending sustainability with sentimentality.

Very best Austin day with artist Todd Sanders

How a local artist famed for his neon likes to brighten his life.

We caught up recently with neon artist Todd Sanders to ask about his ideal Austin day.Why it matters: His commercial and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fine art work" data-vars-click-url="https://wcc.art/artist/todd-sanders" data-vars-content-id="c21869ae-a349-4cb5-82cd-d83a6e35ef13" data-vars-headline="Very best Austin day with artist Todd Sanders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wcc.art/artist/todd-sanders" target="_blank">fine art work</a> evokes a bygone period of classic cars and rock-and-roll in Austin.

Vote for Texas' most iconic food

Tamales, Texas sheet cake and smoked brisket are among the contenders.

The famed Texas breakfast plate vs. the famed Texas breakfast to go. A smokehouse staple vs. a diner favorite. Texas&#x27; most famous foods are about to face off bracket-style.<ul><li>And you get to pick the winners.</li></ul>

Where to find hotel pool passes in Austin

You can swim for the day without paying for a hotel room in many Austin hotels.

Beyond Austin&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beautiful public pools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/08/03/where-to-swim-for-free-in-austin" data-vars-content-id="78971793-9647-43fb-84b6-782dc26d3adf" data-vars-headline="Where to find hotel pool passes in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/08/03/where-to-swim-for-free-in-austin" target="_self">beautiful public pools</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="swimming holes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/02/austin-outdoor-recreation-guide" data-vars-content-id="78971793-9647-43fb-84b6-782dc26d3adf" data-vars-headline="Where to find hotel pool passes in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/02/austin-outdoor-recreation-guide" target="_self">swimming holes</a>, a growing number of hotels are opening their doors to let locals enjoy their chic pool decks.

Culture

Austin's top April events you won't want to miss

New romance bookstore opens in East Austin

Where Austinites are making their own gifts

A jazzy "Nutcracker" hits Austin for one night only

Things to do in Austin this weekend